Abstract

Purpose of Review

Whether the present obesity epidemic will increase the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension over the next decades is unclear. We review the obesity-related mechanisms that may further the development and progression of pulmonary hypertension.

Recent Findings

Systemic and local inflammation, insulin resistance and oxidative stress contribute to the pathobiology of obesity and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Preliminary data suggest that expansion of adipose tissue surrounding the pulmonary artery may hasten the progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension in obese persons. Further, obesity-associated cardiac and pulmonary conditions may increase the prevalence of groups 2 and 3 pulmonary hypertension.